Newsletter

Posted April 16, 2011 10:41 pm

JUNEAU EMPIRE

Public works director retiring

Joe Buck, director of Public Works Department, has given notice of his decision to retire July 3.

“Public Works is one of the most important departments in the city. Joe has done an outstanding job in managing the department for the past nine years and it was with regret that I learned of his decision to retire. He will definitely be missed,” said city manager Rod Swope.

Kirk Duncan will step in as acting deputy director at the end of the month, and take over as the director of Public Works when Buck retires in July. Duncan is currently manager of the Eaglecrest Ski Area, a position that he has held for the past seven years.

“Kirk is very committed to the community and well suited for this job. He has proven to be an outstanding manager with excellent supervisory skills and the experience of managing a large public service operation. He knows how to get things done. Kirk knows what it takes to get projects designed, funded, bid, constructed, and the importance of maintaining them. I feel fortunate that someone local with his proven skills, experience, and commitment to Juneau will be taking over this important and challenging position,” Swope said.

“The Department of Public Works provides services to every resident in the City and Borough and does it very well. I look forward to working with the management and staff at Public Works to continue to provide a high level of service while taking on several projects. Most notable will be an energy reduction program as well as developing a long­ term capital and infrastructure replacement plan,” Duncan said.

After nearly 35 years of service, Scott Jeffers will be retiring as well on April 29 as the deputy director for Public Works. The city stated that given his vast accomplishments and long tenure with the department, Jeffers will be missed.